When to Plant Basil in Minnesota
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Minnesota Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Minnesota you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Minnesota | 3a, 3b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Central Minnesota | 3b, 4a | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 15 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Minnesota | 4a, 4b | Apr 25 - May 10 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Minnesota
Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a, 3b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Minnesota (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Minnesota (Zones 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Growing Basil in Minnesota
Basil in Minnesota's Climate
Basil needs warmth and dies at the first hint of frost. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost and don't transplant until nights stay above 55°F — often 2-3 weeks after your official last frost date. Your growing window may be only 10-14 weeks, so make them count: pinch flower buds aggressively and harvest often. Consider growing in containers you can move indoors during unexpected cold snaps.
Soil Considerations for Minnesota
Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Minnesota Climate & Growing Season
Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential. Basil cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Minnesota: Northern Minnesota (3a, 3b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota (4a, 4b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. This difference matters for basil — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Pinch off flower buds to keep leaves producing. Harvest from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair. Succession plant for season-long supply.
Companion Planting
Plant basil alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep basil away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026